The posse, about to set off from Aviemore! Dave and Neville (who went all the way to the top with us), Graham and Hannah who were with us for the day, Kath and her dog (with home baking!) who came to wave us off!
We had a wonderful day ahead of us with one of the easier days on the whole LEJOG, after our one rest day! The weather looks reasonable and the mountains looked incredible. After the Stewarts had eventually arrived, we went North, up from Aviemore towards Carrbridge.
High windswept moorlands, distilleries, and some diversions around massive roadworks (the A9 is being duelled through this section) were our company as we followed the cycle route up the same glen as the main road and the railway line.
Our major climb of the day was up to Slochd, a long steady pull - bit without any of the severe gradients which had marked the first few days of the ride.
That led to a fast downhill run to Inverness. The route around the city was a bit circuituitous but eventually we made the Kessock Bridge, on the far side of which were the van, our food, and a group of friends and family - some of whom I haven't seen in such a long time!
Then we were up and over the Black Isle, on lonely highlands roads, heading for Dingwall and the Cromarty Firth.
Lunch at a farm shop on the Cromarty Firth was next - after which Graham and Hannah left us to return to their highland holiday!
We finished with an easy run to Alness, where found our hotel - my wife had checked in and found somewhere safe for the bikes, and after a shower and doze we went out for a really excellent curry at the Cafe India! Two more days to go!
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